Actor James Gandolfini, best known for playing Tony Soprano on the Emmy-winning series The Sopranos, has passed away after suffering a heart attack. He was 51.

HBO said in a statement: “We’re all in shock and feeling immeasurable sadness at the loss of a beloved member of our family. He was special man, a great talent, but more importantly a gentle and loving person who treated everyone no matter their title or position with equal respect. He touched so many of us over the years with his humor, his warmth and his humility. Our hearts go out to his wife and children during this terrible time. He will be deeply missed by all of us.”

The actor was on vacation in Rome, Italy at the time, a statement from his managers added.

The three-time Emmy winner, who most recently appeared in The Incredible Burt Wonderstone and Zero Dark Thirty, was set to star in upcoming HBO series Criminal Justice.